He’s not backing down.
Algerian Pastor Youssef Ourahmane, who was arrested and sentenced for conducting worship services, recently shared his story, shedding light on the repression faced by religious minorities in Algeria. Speaking at an event hosted by ADF International, a legal advocacy group, Youssef called for greater religious freedom and urged authorities to reopen Evangelical churches that have been forcibly shut down by the government.
Youssef, a Christian convert and leader in the Protestant Church of Algeria, described his arrest and conviction for the “crime” of holding unauthorized worship services. He explained the impact of the church closures on the Christian community, noting that by 2019, most Evangelical churches in Algeria were shut down. This left many believers feeling a deep sense of loss, as the church buildings had become an important part of their Christian identity. Despite the persecution, Youssef remains committed to his faith, citing his belief in God’s will and sovereignty.
In July 2023, Youssef was sentenced to two years in prison and fined for leading the Emmanuel Church in Algeria. Although his sentence was later reduced to one year, the Court of Appeal upheld his conviction and added a further six months of suspended prison time. His case is just one of around 50 similar prosecutions against Christians in Algeria, as authorities continue to suppress the Evangelical community’s right to worship.
ADF International, along with other organizations, is working to support Youssef and bring attention to his case. They are urging the international community to take a strong stand against Algeria’s actions, which include the closure of 43 churches since 2019. These closures are often justified by citing “health and safety” concerns, but many believe they are part of a broader effort to limit the religious freedom of the country’s Christian minority.
The repression extends beyond churches, as small house congregations also face restrictions. The government has imposed strict limits on the number of people allowed to gather, forcing many to worship in secret. Religious freedom organizations, including the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, have expressed concern over the escalating situation, calling for Algeria to be included on the U.S. Department of State’s Special Watch List for its violations of religious rights.